AHANA Acronym Celebrates 30th Year

Gasson's Irish Room was transformed Friday evening for the closing celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month and the official kick-off event for the year-long celebration of the 30th Year Anniversary of the AHANA (African, Hispanic, Asian, and Native American) acronym. The ceremony brought an end to the on-campus activities hosted by the Hispanic Heritage Month (HHM) Committee honoring Hispanic heritage that began last month on Sept. 15, and initiated the events that will take place throughout the school year in recognition of the 30-year existence of the term "AHANA" as a part of the Boston College community. Sponsored by the Hispanic Heritage Month Committee, the 30th Year Anniversary of the AHANA Acronym celebration committee, the Undergraduate Government of Boston College, the AHANA Leadership Council (ALC), the Organization of Latin American Affairs (OLAA), and the UGBC Senate, the double event came together as a result of input from a number of student organizations.

Following a concert performed by BC's premier jazz ensemble a series of speakers addressed the quickly growing crowd. First to address the audience was Inés Maturana Sendoya, director of the Office of AHANA Student Programs (OASP). Sendoya greeted the audience and commemorated the celebration.

"The purpose of heritage months is threefold: to promote awareness and appreciation of cultural experiences, to ensure respect for all peoples, and to allow AHANA students to establish their identity," Sendoya said.

Sendoya congratulated the co-chairs of the HHM Committee, Bryan Levya, A&S '10, and Eduardo Dorado, A&S '09 whose hard work and diligence she attributed the success of the ceremony and the month itself. Susan Choy and Micaela Mabida, both members of the AHANA Acronym Celebration Committee and CSOM '11, talked next, introducing the anniversary celebration and defining the AHANA acronym. "AHANA does not encompass just the groups originally defined under it, but students from all walks of life," Choy said.

In light of the unexpected absence of Valerie Lewis, one of the two students who, 30 years ago, helped to create the AHANA acronym, Dan Bunch, director of the Learning to Learn (LTL) department, gave a speech that included remarks from Valerie Lewis herself.

Bunch commented on the symbolism contained in the celebration being held in Gasson Hall, a place where, 40 years ago, students in the Black Talent program gathered to call University attention to their concerns.

Choy and Mabida proceeded to cut a celebratory cake decorated with the letters "AHANA" across the top, which was supplied by Dining Services.

The second half of "Finalmente" drew in an even larger crowd than before as the room became packed with students, faculty, and onlookers outside of the BC community, all in anticipation of "Friday Night Live."

The program featured dance performances from performers from both inside the BC community and outside of it in combination with BC students who modeled various fashions on the runway.

Music from student DJs were paired with the themed fashion exhibitions, which ranged from GQ business attire to a wide range of traditional cultural clothing.

The evening occasions were preceded by BC's First Annual Latin Soul Arts Festival, an exploration of Latin arts and culture at BC, during the day.

The festival explored Latin arts through dance showcases, poetry and spoken word performances, a book fair, and other art exhibitions and demonstrations, including a major theatrical production and a band showcase.

Before the event commenced, audience members were treated to a serving of catered traditional Hispanic dishes, such as Cuban sandwiches, beef empanadas, and sweet plantains. As large flags from various Hispanic countries hung proudly over them, BC bOp! dazzled onlookers with singing and smooth instrument playing.

The rotunda leading to the hall was decorated with balloons and a banner highlighting the 30thYear Anniversary for the AHANA Acronym.

Artwork stretched from one door to another, culminating in a large mural made out of puzzle pieces that stood next to the entrance to the main room. The paintings were contributions from students in the Eagles Abroad program.

Nadia Lazo, a member of the HHM Committee and A&S '10, said that they asked the students if they could use their paintings. "The paintings come from students who studied abroad in many different Hispanic countries, such as Peru, Colombia, Brazil, and the Dominican Republic," Lazo said.

In creating the large mural, various culture clubs on campus were given wooden puzzle pieces to paint and decorate. The puzzle pieces were then put together as a celebration not only of Hispanic cultures, but of all cultures.

The festival was sponsored by the Office of Student Affairs, OASP, and the HHM Committee.

"I'm really happy with everything," Mabida said. "We took a great historical space and turned it into something we can use to celebrate. Gasson is a historical place and we are a part of BC's history."

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